We have had a wonderful start to the school year at John Kerr!

One exciting new program is the John Kerr House System. The goal of the house system is to instill a sense of belonging, pride, and personal growth in every student. We want to create a positive, inclusive school community that fosters building relationships, character excitement, and school spirit. At John Kerr, every student and staff member is part of a house.

Throughout the week, students can earn points for their house by exhibiting good character, effort, school spirit, outstanding performance, and academic excellence. At the end of each week, we will celebrate the house that is in the lead by having a house lunch. Each month we will have a house celebration during specials. The winning house gets to pick what we will do as a celebration. Students will participate with their house instead of their grade level.

Throughout the year, we will have house meetings to build community. Our first house meeting will be 9/20. Please talk with your students about their house and what is going on at John Kerr!

-Beth O’Donnell

Box Tops: Download the BOX TOPS App and scan your receipts to help raise money for JKES!

Martin's Rewards: Remember to register your Martin’s rewards card online to benefit JKES! Link is at the Martin's website or through the JKES PTO Website.

TREX Plastic Bag Collection: Drop off your plastic bags in the brown bin next to the front door of the school. Local schools compete to try to win a new bench (from TREX) for the school! TREX uses the bags for recycling!

Non-Profit Organization: We are recognized as a 501c3 non-profit organization. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the PTO, please contact us at jkespto@gmail.com

The JKES Fun Run is a 2-week program that kicks off with a Pep Rally on 10/16.

Families will gather pledges for every lap your student runs (30-35 laps) at the JKES Fun Run on 10/25. Our goal is to raise $7500 for our school!

We’ve asked the experts at Booster to power our fundraiser and make it easier, more profitable, and more fun. The theme is MINDSPARK: WILD WEST! This exciting theme combines STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) skills with character-building.

Donations will go towards field trips, teacher appreciation, 4th grade graduation, and school spirit events. Please help our school by getting pledges from family and friends and entering them on FUNRUN.COM.

All families are invited to come and cheer on our students on 10/25 at the Fun Run! Thank you for your support!

• Friday Food Bag Delivery to classrooms: two parents each Friday morning
• Help with Fall Fun Run and the Dance (10/25)
• Organize dinner for teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences (10/17)

10/9- PTO Meeting 7PM

10/11- End of 1st Quarter

10/11- 4th Grade Fieldtrip

10/14 & 10/15- No School

10/17- Parent Teacher Conferences

10/25- Fall Run and Dance

10/28- School Pictures

• Email us: jkespto@gmail.com
• “Like” and follow us on Facebook: John Kerr Elementary School PTO
• Follow the PTO link on the JKES Website
• Come to the PTO Meetings- next one is Wed. 10/9 at 7pm (and bring a friend!)
• Talk to an officer at any of the school events!
• We want to hear from you! Any suggestions or questions are always welcome!

President: Perry McAlister

Vice President: Jody Plitt

Secretary: Jennifer Currie

Treasurer: Melissa Barker